MacKillop Family Services is helping Cantonese and Mandarin speakers in Australia gain a better understanding of the foster care system.
The sizeable Chinese community holds a significant responsibility in contributing to society and MacKillop welcomes every opportunity to clarify misconceptions about foster care and encourage people to become foster carers.
MacKillop calls on Australia’s diverse cultures to open their homes and become part of the community that cares for more than 45,000 children and young people unable to live safely at home.
“Foster carers provide temporary care for children—while their parents receive other support—with the hope that the child will be able to safely return home to their family,” explains Jasmine Perry, MacKillop’s National Leader of Foster Care Development.
Foster carers provide vital support and stability to children and young people for a short or long period of time. This could be one weekend per month, or a few weeks or years, depending on the child's circumstances. Regardless of the period of care, the impact on young lives is far-reaching, influencing their wellbeing and future development.
“MacKillop effectively links three key groups: the child, the family, and the foster carers, establishing a comprehensive support network,” says Ms Perry.
“Through this strong relationship, we can help children receive care in a safe and nurturing environment.”
MacKillop is currently entrusted with the care of more than 500 children and young people. As at January 2024, 23% were from 44 multicultural backgrounds, including Chinese.
There is currently a critical shortage of foster carers across Australia. MacKillop invites enquiries from all communities, to look after children from the same cultural group or otherwise.
Foster carers who are familiar with a child’s culture—or who are willing to find out—make a huge difference to a child’s life at a time when everything is changing.
MacKillop carers Carryn Chan (pictured) and partner Matt Feray have helped look after four young children. They’ve done their best each time to connect the child with their own culture, taking them to cultural events and cooking what they’re used to, especially when the child first arrives.
“The first night is difficult for them, so we ask what they’d like to have for dinner. Having food they are familiar with helps them relax,” says Carryn. The couple is pleased to do what they can to keep children connected to their culture and community.
“Showing appreciation for their culture is a plus. What’s more important, though, is how you care for them,” says Carryn.
MacKillop invites those who would like to provide a safe, caring and welcoming home to children to call 1300 791 677, visit mackillop.org.au/carers as well as learn more from this recent interview on SBS Cantonese.
